BACKGROUND: Cesarean section is a common delivery route for breech fetuses < 1000 gm to prevent trauma. However, abdominal and vaginal delivery maneuvers are similar. Cesarean section avoids the risk of head entrapment but long bone trauma can still occur. CASES: We identified three neonates with femoral fractures during a one year period. All mothers were in active labor. All were premature newborns less than 32 weeks gestation, in breech presentation and delivered by a low vertical cesarean section. Review of all cesarean sections done due to mal presentation (n = 26) during that time showed 11 classic and 15 lower segment vertical incisions (both vertical and transverse). CONCLUSIONS: The interest to reduce maternal morbidity may prompt physicians to perform a low segment vertical incision for delivery of a preterm breech. This decision may increase the chances of trauma by providing less area for the required obstetric maneuvers.
BACKGROUND: Cesarean section is a common delivery route for breech fetuses < 1000 gm to prevent trauma. However, abdominal and vaginal delivery maneuvers are similar. Cesarean section avoids the risk of head entrapment but long bone trauma can still occur. CASES: We identified three neonates with femoral fractures during a one year period. All mothers were in active labor. All were premature newborns less than 32 weeks gestation, in breech presentation and delivered by a low vertical cesarean section. Review of all cesarean sections done due to mal presentation (n = 26) during that time showed 11 classic and 15 lower segment vertical incisions (both vertical and transverse). CONCLUSIONS: The interest to reduce maternal morbidity may prompt physicians to perform a low segment vertical incision for delivery of a preterm breech. This decision may increase the chances of trauma by providing less area for the required obstetric maneuvers.